Method and apparatus for separating oxygen from a gaseous mixture

ABSTRACT

A solid composition provides high oxygen ion conductivity, and includes a metal oxide combined with multiple dopants. The oxide may, for example, include zirconia, bismuth trioxide, thoria or halfnia. The dopants are chosen such that they are of similar ionic radius to the oxide, but such that they generally have different valences. For example, zirconium has a +4 valence, while dopants are usually chosen which have +2 or +3 valences. Possible dopants include materials such as magnesia, yttria, and oxides of calcium, barium, strontium, lanthanum, and scandium. It has been found that choosing the dopants such that they exist in the composition at specified ratios results in surprising ability to transport oxygen ions. In the case of a composition which includes magnesia and yttria dopants placed within a zirconia matrix, it has been found desirable to maintain the ratio of the mole percentages of the magnesia to the yttria in the range of from about 6.5:10 to about 9.5:10. Also disclosed are methods and apparatus for using the composition in removing oxygen and water from a mixture of gases. Such a process is valuable in the isolation and purification of both oxygen and the other gases in the mixture.

BACKGROUND

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention is related to a ceramic which possessesparticularly high oxygen ion conductivity. More particularly, thepresent invention is related to a doped ceramic and methods andapparatus for its use in removing oxygen and water from a gaseousmixture of oxygen, water and other relatively inert gases.

2. Technical Background

In a number of applications it is important to remove oxygen from amixture of gases. For example, even in purified gases, it is known thattrace quantities of oxygen remains within the gas. In order to provide avery pure gas, it would be desirable to remove as much of the traceoxygen as possible. Examples of such gases include nitrogen and noblegases.

Small quantities of oxygen mixed within otherwise pure inert gases haveproven problematic in a number of contexts. For example, in themanufacture of semiconductor devices, it is important to provide anessentially oxygen-free environment during certain types of processingsteps. A typical solution for the problem is to flush the processingenvironment with an inert gas. However, even when inert gas fills theprocessing environment, trace amounts of oxygen still exist and aremixed with the inert gases.

Various processes have been attempted to remove oxygen from such inertgases. For example, it has been conventional to filter the gas in orderto attempt to remove oxygen. Various filtering and removal processeshave been employed, including adsorption, absorption, catalyticreactions, and membrane separation. Even using these processes, however,gases of less than ideal purity have been produced. Furthermore, suchprocesses are cumbersome and difficult to use in large scale operations.

A reverse of the problem described above is involved in the productionof commercial quantities of extremely pure oxygen. Problems similar tothose described concerning other gases are also encountered in theproduction of pure oxygen. In all exiting processes, it would bedesirable to provide oxygen of better quality using a simple andrelatively inexpensive process.

While not commonly used in gas purification, electrochemical deviceswhich employ oxygen ion conducting electrolytes are known to exist.These electrolytes are widely used as oxygen sensors. Such sensors havereceived wide acceptance in devices such as automobile engines andfurnaces where it is critical to maintain the ratio of fuel and oxygenwithin particular acceptable ranges. Some devices of this nature havealso been employed for the purposes of preparing pure oxygen.

The mechanism of oxygen ion conduction is well known. Indeed, ionicconductivity of certain materials was studied by Nernst as early as the1890's. Nernst found that if there was a difference in oxygenconcentration across a dense zirconia membrane, an electrical potentialcould be measured from electrodes placed on opposite sides of thezirconia. Nernst showed that the following equation relates the appliedvoltage to the difference in oxygen concentration:

    E=(RT/ZF)ln(p2/p1)

where:

E=electrical potential (volts)

R=gas constant

T=temperature

Z=charge

F=faraday constant

p1=partial pressure oxygen on one side

p2=partial pressure oxygen on the opposite side

Nernst also found that if a potential is applied across the membrane,oxygen ions can be transported from one side of the membrane to theother. The general mechanism of oxygen ion conductivity is believed tobe as follows:

    O.sub.2 +4e→2O.sup.- →O.sub.2 +4e

It has been discovered, however, that conventional ceramics, such aszirconia, are inefficient at conducting oxygen ions. Pure zirconia, forexample, is not generally incorporated into commercial gas purificationdevices. In addition zirconia is known to be difficult to handle. Thisis the case because pure zirconia ceramic experiences a phase transitionfrom a monoclinic to a tetragonal structure at about 1170° C. Thisresults in a large change in volume, which in turn causes stress andcracking in dense ceramic parts.

In order to avoid some of the problems encountered with pure zirconiaceramics, it is conventional to add a dopant to the ceramic. Dopants arefound to stabilize the tetragonal zirconia crystal structure. Whenzirconia is doped to higher levels, the structure can be stabilized inthe a cubic phase. These materials are much easier to handle than purezirconia. Yet, while certain of these materials are found to beconductive to oxygen ions, their conductivity is less than ideal forpurposes of gas processing.

Accordingly, it would be a significant advancement in the art to providea material which is highly conductive to oxygen ions. More particularly,it would be an advancement to provide a material which is highlyconductive to oxygen ions and which is relatively easy to handle andeasy to incorporate into a gas processing device. It would be a relatedadvancement to provide an apparatus, using such a material, which iscapable of separating oxygen from a gaseous mixture. It would also be anadvancement in the art to provide highly effective methods forseparating oxygen from a gaseous mixture.

Such compositions, methods and apparatus are disclosed and claimedherein.

BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to solid compositions which have extremelyhigh levels of oxygen ion conductivity. The compositions are generallydoped metal oxide ceramics. The compositions are based upon metal oxideswhich form the bulk of the composition. In a typical embodiment of theinvention, the metal oxide may comprise from about 85% to about 90% ofthe overall composition. Typical oxides used to form the basis of thecompositions may include zirconia, bismuth oxide (Bi₂ O₃), thoria,halfnia, and similar materials known in the ceramics art.

The oxide is then doped with multiple dopants. The dopants are of thetype known in the art and commonly used to form ceramic materials. Suchdopants may include materials such as magnesia, yttria, and oxides ofcalcium, barium, strontium, lanthanum, and scandium.

In one important aspect of the invention, the dopants are specificallychosen and matched with the other materials in the composition. Inparticular, it is preferred that the dopants be of similar ionic radiusto the metal oxide, but that they generally have different valences. Forexample, zirconium has a +4 valence. Dopants in a zirconia based ceramicwill generally be chosen which have +2 or +3 valences. For example, inone preferred embodiment of the present invention zirconia is doped withyttria and magnesia.

It has been found that choosing the dopants such that they areincorporated into the composition at specified ratios results insurprising levels of oxygen ion conductivity. For example, in the caseof a composition which includes magnesia and yttria dopants placedwithin a zirconia matrix, it has been found desirable to maintain theratio of the mole percentages of the magnesia to the yttria in the rangeof from about 6.5:10 to about 9.5:10. In a typical composition withinthe scope of the invention, total mole percentages of dopants may be inthe range of 7.0 mole percent yttria, 5.61 mole percent magnesia, withzirconia comprising the remainder.

The present invention also relates to methods and apparatus for usingsuch compositions in removing oxygen and moisture from a mixture ofgases. Such processes and apparatus are valuable in the isolation andpurification of both oxygen and the other gases in the mixture. Inparticular, gases such as noble gases and nitrogen, which typically alsocontain trace quantities of oxygen or water, can be purified. The oxygenremoved from such a gaseous mixture also has significant value.

The apparatus of the present invention typically includes a hollowcylinder constructed of the ceramic material described above. Asmentioned above, the cylinder will generally comprise a solidelectrolyte formed of a ceramic metal oxide and at least two differentdopants. The dopants will generally be incorporated into the ceramicsuch that the ratio of the mole percentages of the first dopant to thesecond dopant is in the range of from about 6.5:10 to about 9.5:10.However, if the nature of the dopants changes, the exact ratios willchange as well. Indeed, for certain dopants the ratios may be outside ofthe stated ranges, but the ratios may be calculated by methods known inthe art.

In order to create an electrical potential through the ceramicelectrolyte it is necessary to coat the cylinder with conductingmaterials which are capable of receiving leads from a power source. Itis typical to coat both the inside and the outside of the cylinder witha metal in order to enable the creation of such an electrical potential.Metals typically used in the coatings (electrodes) include silver,platinum, and palladium. A typical device may have a platinum electrodecoating on the inside and a silver electrode coating on the outside.

Disposed between the metal coating and the electrolyte may be a layer ofstrontium-lanthanum-manganate (LSM) or similar material. The specificcomposition of the LSM is selected to match the thermal expansion of theelectrolyte. LSM provides a good adherent layer between the electrolyteand the electrodes. In addition, it is appears that the SLM catalyzesthe reaction of oxygen atoms into oxygen ions and is also electricallyconductive.

As mentioned above, means for creating an electrical potential betweenthe inside and outside of the cylinder is provided. This generallyincludes a source of direct current, with its negative terminal incommunication with the outside of the cylinder and the positive terminalin communication with the inside of the cylinder. Electrical connectionis established by attachment to the metal electrodes described above.

It is clear that it is necessary to provide means for placing saidgaseous mixture in contact with the electrolyte such that oxygencontained within the gaseous mixture can be ionized and then passthrough the electrolyte. This leaves the remainder of the gaseousmixture inside the cylinder. In that regard, a source of gas is simplyattached to one end (proximal end) of the cylinder and purified gas isthen collected at the opposite end (distal end) of the cylinder.

The invention also provides means for heating the electrolyte to therequired temperatures, while isolating the heated area from theremainder of the device. This is achieved by providing an insulatedenclosure about the electrolyte. Inside the enclosure are heatingelements and controls necessary to heat the interior of the enclosure tothe range of from about 650° C. to about 900° C. It is found that oxygenremoval is optimized within this temperature range.

A second enclosure is provided to cover the entire device and bellowsare provided between the interior and exterior enclosures. Bellows maybe attached to both ends of the cylinder such that a gas tight fittingis achieved. The bellows and the second enclosure provide a cold seal inthat they are generally isolated from the heated portion of the deviceby the interior enclosure. This is a significant benefit of theinvention.

Finally, the electrolyte and related assembly are gently held in placein order to avoid damage and breakage. This is achieved by the use ofbulkhead fittings or similar mechanisms. These fittings are configuredsuch that they support the electrolyte cylinder and related structure.They also allow for the suspension of multiple electrolytes in the sameenclosure.

It will be appreciated that the present invention may be used to eithercollect purified oxygen, or to remove oxygen and water from a mixture ofgases. It is possible, for example, to remove oxygen which exists in thepresent or parts per million range from nitrogen or a noble gas. Inorder to undertake this process it is only necessary to create anelectrical potential between the inside of the cylinder and the outsideby use of the direct current power source, at the same time the interiorenclosure is heated to the desired temperature. Then the subject mixtureof gases is passed through the cylinder. Because the electrolyteconducts oxygen ions, oxygen is converted to ions, passes through thewalls of the electrolyte and is then recombined. This results in removalof the oxygen from the gas stream. During this process the other inertgases remain on the inside of the electrolyte cylinder.

Thus, the present invention provides novel compositions, apparatus, andmethods for separating oxygen and water from a gaseous mixture. This isachieved by the use of the novel ceramics described above, which possessparticularly high oxygen ion conductivity.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to providematerials which are highly conductive to oxygen ions.

More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to providematerials which are highly conductive to oxygen ions and which arerelatively easy to handle and to incorporate into gas processingdevices.

It is a related object of the invention to provide an apparatus, usingsuch materials, which is capable of separating oxygen with a gaseousmixture.

It is also an object of the invention to provide highly effectivemethods for separating oxygen from a gaseous mixture.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent upon reading the following detailed description and appendedclaims, and upon reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantagesand objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular descriptionof the invention briefly described above will be rendered by referenceto specific embodiments which are illustrated in the appended drawings.Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of theinvention and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope,the invention will be described and explained with additionalspecificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a partially cut away perspective view of one embodiment of thedevice of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross section of the device illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross section of a ceramic tube useful in the deviceillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, showing the various layers which make upthe tube.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As described above, the present invention relates to the formulation anduse of ceramics which display surprising levels of oxygen ionconductivity. At the same time, the compositions of the presentinvention avoid the problems encountered with conventional ceramics,including cracking and brittleness of pure ceramic materials. Inparticular, the compositions of the present invention are formulatedsuch that there exist "point defects" in the crystal lattice. Thedefects are specifically selected and formed in order to allow maximumoxygen ion conductivity.

The basic materials used in the formulation of the ceramic material ofthe present invention are ceramic oxides. Typical basic materialsinclude zirconia (ZrO₂), ceria (CeO₂), bismuth oxide (Bi₂ O₃), thoria(ThO₃), and halfnia (HfO₂). As mentioned above, zirconia is a goodconductor of oxygen ions, as are the other listed materials.

It is found that some of the alternative materials (materials other thanzirconia), such as ceria and bismuth oxide, are efficient at creating anelectric potential due to a difference in oxygen partial pressure andconduction of oxygen through the electrolyte. These benefits aresomewhat offset, however, with limitations such as lower strength thanzirconia, and increased susceptibility to chemical reaction underconditions of low oxygen partial pressure and high voltage andtemperature.

Ionic conduction is increased in the present invention by doping theprimary material with multiple dopants. Typical dopants include yttria(Y₂ O₃) and magnesia (MgO), as well as the oxides of calcium, barium,strontium, lanthanum, and scandium, and like elements. It is believedthat dopants increase oxygen conductivity by introducing "defects"within the crystal lattice which allow the passage of oxygen ions.

The present invention teaches maximization of oxygen ion conductivity bycareful selection of the dopants and the resulting lattice defects. Inparticular, it is preferred to select dopants which display ionic radiivery near that of the primarily material (such as zirconium). At thesame time, it is desirable to chose dopants based on metals which have adifferent valence than the primary material. That is, in a compositionbased on zirconium, which has a +4 valence, dopants having +2 and +3valences are presently preferred. This provides defects in the crystallattice which allow the passage of ionic oxygen.

In addition, it is important to balance the size of the first and seconddopants added. For example, the addition of yttria to a zirconia latticeprovides a particular set of lattice distortions. By then addingmagnesia, the crystal lattice is allowed to return to a more stablestate. In this manner, the selection of multiple dopants provides thegeneral benefits of added dopants, but minimizes the limitationsotherwise experienced with the use of dopants.

In a representative embodiment, yttria and magnesia are added tozirconia. Typically from about 2.5% to about 40% yttria is added. It isfound that when between about 2.5% to about 6% yttria is added and atetragonal crystal lattice is formed. When more than about 8% yttria isadded, a cubic crystal lattice is observed. In most embodiments of thepresent invention, the cubic lattice is preferred in that the cubic formreadily allows for the transport of oxygen ions through defectsresulting from the addition of the yttria dopant.

Magnesia is then added to the composition. Magnesia provides additionaldefects in the crystal lattice, but also results in a general balancingof the size of the defects. This results in a marked increase in theconductivity of oxygen ions. The ratio of mole percentages of magnesiato yttria is preferred to be in the range of from about 6.5:10 to about9.5:10. One preferred composition comprises about 5.61 mole percentmagnesia, 7.00 mole percent yttria, and the remainder zirconia.

In zirconia doped with a single dopant, typical oxygen ion resistivityis in the range of about 100 ohm-centimeters. Using the presentinvention conversely, oxygen ion resistivity is observed in the range of32-45 ohm-centimeter. Thus, it will be appreciated that the presentinvention provides significantly increased capability to conduct oxygenions.

As mentioned above, the present invention also relates to apparatus andmethods for processing gaseous mixtures by employing the compositions ofthe present invention. In that regard the present invention can be bestunderstood by reference to the drawings where like parts are designatedwith like numerals throughout.

Reference is first made to FIG. 1 in which one embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention is illustrated and designated 10.FIG. 1 is a partially cut away perspective view of a gas processingdevice within the scope of the present invention. The basic functionalfeature of the device is the hollow cylinder or tube 12.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the cylinder 12 may run the length of thedevice 10. The cylinder 12 is formed of the ceramic composition of thepresent invention. As mentioned above, the ceramic comprises a ceramicmetal oxide which is doped with multiple dopants.

The ceramic structure forms an electrolyte 18. The electrolyte 18 isthen coated in order to provide conductive surfaces, or electrodes 14and 16, on the inside and the outside of the cylinder respectively. Theelectrode materials may be any acceptable electrically conductivematerial. Such materials which fall within the scope of the presentinvention include silver, platinum, and palladium. The material on theinside of the cylinder may be the same or different from the material onthe outside of the cylinder. In one preferred embodiment, the materialon the outside of the cylinder is silver, whereas the material on theinside of the cylinder is platinum.

It may be desirable to provide intermediate layers 20 and 22 between theelectrodes and the electrolytes. Such material may includestrontium-lanthanum-manganate (LSM) or similar material. LSM isparticularly acceptable because of its combination of properties. LSMprovides an adhesive intermediate layer between the electrolyte 18 andthe electrodes 14 and 16. At the same time, SLM is electricallyconductive and is believed to catalyze the conversion of oxygen tooxygen ions. Thus, LSM may significantly increases the effectiveness ofthe device.

It will be appreciated that the conductivity of oxygen ions is mosteffective at elevated temperatures. In particular, temperatures in therange of from about 650° C. to about 900° C. are required to provideefficient conductivity. It is presently preferred, however, to operateat temperatures in the range of from about 780° C. to about 820° C.

In order to operate the device 10 at these elevated temperatures it isnecessary to isolate the high temperature area from the remainder of thedevice. In the illustrated embodiment, this takes the form of anenclosure 24 disposed about the electrolyte and related structures. Thisinterior enclosure 24 also preferably includes an adequate layer ofinsulation 26 to isolate the remainder of the device from the elevatedoperating temperatures.

Placed within the interior of the enclosure 24 are the necessarycomponents to provide an electrical potential across the electrolyte 18and to control the temperature within the enclosure 24. Thus, a seriesof heating elements 28 are provided. These heating elements areavailable commercially and may take the form of heating coils or otherconventional types of heating elements. In order to control thetemperature, a temperature sensor or thermocouple 30 is also disposedwithin the interior of the enclosure 24 and attached to the requiredexternal power source and controls. All of these elements are poweredand controlled through the use of conventional power sources and controlcomponents (not shown).

Also illustrated are wires 32 and 34 which extend into the interiorenclosure 24 from the exterior of the device. Wire 32 is attached to theexterior electrode 16 and wire 34 is similarly attached to the interiorelectrode 18. The wires 32 and 34 are in turn connected to a directcurrent power source 36. In this manner, the necessary electricalpotential is created across the electrolyte 18. As described above, theelectrical potential is required in order to accommodate the flow ofoxygen ions through the electrolyte 18.

Disposed around the interior enclosure 24 is a second exterior enclosure38. The enclosure 38 covers and protects the essential workingcomponents of the device 10. Also illustrated between the interiorenclosure 24 and the exterior enclosure 38 are a set of bellows 40.Bellows 40 act as a seal and means for compensating for thermalexpansion in the device. By use of the bellows system, it is possible tomaintain an essentially cold seal between the electrolyte and theenclosure 38.

FIG. 1 also illustrates one method of suspending the cylinder 12 withinthe device. That method involves the use of a pair of bulkhead fittings42 configured such that they support said electrolyte cylinder 12. Thebulkhead fittings 42 provide for gentle suspension of the cylinder 12such that damage and breakage are avoided. In addition, in alternativeembodiments of the device it is possible to employ bulkhead fittings 42in order to suspend multiple cylinders 12 within the device.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1.In FIG. 2 the same components of the device 10 are illustrated, however,the spacial relationship of the components can be more fully appreciatedwhen FIG. 2 is taken in combination with FIG. 1. In particular, thestructure of the cylinder 12 is illustrated. As can be seen in FIG. 2,the basic structural feature of the cylinder is the electrolyte 18.Coated on both the inside and the outside surfaces of the electrolyte 18are layers of LSM. As mentioned above, the LSM layers provide a numberof benefits including improved electrical conductivity of the cylinder,an adhesive layer between the electrolyte and the metallic electrodelayers, and a catalyst for the ionization of oxygen.

Coated onto the inside and the outside of the cylinder are metallicelectrode layers. As mentioned above, these may preferably comprisesilver, platinum, or palladium.

FIG. 2 also illustrates the heating mechanism disposed within theinterior enclosure 24. The heating mechanism comprises a series of four(4) heating elements 28 and a thermocouple/temperature controller 30.These components provide a simple mechanism for achieving andcontrolling the required operating temperatures within the device.

The structure of the two enclosures is also illustrated. The interiorenclosure houses the high temperature operating region. Thus, theenclosure includes a layer of insulation 26 within the enclosure 14. Aswas discussed above, the exterior enclosure 38 encloses the primaryoperating components of the device. Thus, a compact device 10 isprovided in which all of the sensitive components are protected and inwhich the high temperature area is isolated.

Reference is next made to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view ofthe cylinder 12 and illustrates the cylinder 12 in some additionaldetail. The structure of the cylinder 12 is as discussed in detailabove. The interior layer of the cylinder comprises a metal electrodelayer 14. Moving toward the exterior of the cylinder, the next layer isthe LSM 20 layer described above. This layer provides an adhesiveintermediate layer between the metal electrode and the ceramicelectrolyte 18. The ceramic electrolyte 18 comprising the next layermoving toward the exterior. On the outside of the ceramic electrolyte isan additional LSM layer 22. Finally, an additional metallic electrodelayer 16 is provided on the exterior of the cylinder.

The operation of the device is apparent from the description set forthabove. Initially the cylinder 12 is connected to a source of mixed gasto be processed. In that manner, the gas is allowed to flow through theinterior of the cylinder 12. At the same time an electrical potential isestablished between the inside and the outside of the cylinder by meansof the direct current power source 36. The interior of the enclosure 24is heated to the desired temperature range. As mentioned above, thepreferred range is from about 650° C. to about 900° C., with a morepreferred range being from about 780° C. to about 820° C.

As the gas passes through the device, oxygen is conducted from theinterior of the cylinder 12 to the outside of the cylinder 12, while theremainder of the gas remains within the interior of the cylinder. Thus,the gas, less the oxygen travels out of the device 10 and is collected.At the same time, the oxygen may be collected as it passes out of thedevice through a bleed valve 44. Thus, the present invention provideseffective methods and apparatus for removing oxygen from a gaseousmixture.

Traces of water in the gas stream will also be removed. At higheroperating voltages, water is dissociated into hydrogen and oxygen. Theoxygen produced in this manner if transported out of the gas stream.While the hydrogen produced remains within the gas stream, it is notfound to be problematic when it exists in trace quantities in otherwisepure gases.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are given to illustrate various embodiments whichhave been made or may be made in accordance with the present invention.These examples are given by way of example only, and it is to beunderstood that the following examples are not comprehensive orexhaustive of the many types of embodiments of the present inventionwhich can be prepared in accordance with the present invention.

EXAMPLE 1

In this example a ceramic composition within the scope of the presentinvention was made. The composition comprised 7 mole percent yttria,5.61 mole percent magnesia, with zirconia comprising the remainder ofthe composition.

Oxygen ion resistivity of the ceramic material was then measured andfound to be 32 ohm-centimeters. This resistivity is well below thattypically observed with ceramics comprised of the types of componentsused.

Accordingly, it was observed that the ceramic composition providedexcellent oxygen ion conductivity.

EXAMPLE 2

In this example a ceramic composition within the scope of the presentinvention was made. The composition comprised 7 mole percent yttria, 6.6mole percent magnesia, with zirconia comprising the remainder of thecomposition.

Oxygen ion resistivity of the ceramic material was then measured andfound to be 38 ohm-centimeters. This resistivity is well below thattypically observed with ceramics comprised of the types of componentsused.

Accordingly, it was observed that the ceramic composition providedexcellent oxygen ion conductivity.

EXAMPLE 3

In this example a ceramic composition within the scope of the presentinvention was made. The composition comprised 7 mole percent yttria, 4.6mole percent magnesia, with zirconia comprising the remainder of thecomposition.

Oxygen ion resistivity of the ceramic material was then measured andfound to be 42 ohm-centimeters. This resistivity is well below thattypically observed with ceramics comprised of the types of componentsused.

Accordingly, it was observed that the ceramic composition providedexcellent oxygen ion conductivity.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present invention provides materials which are highlyconductive to oxygen ions. The materials are observed to be both highlyconductive to oxygen ions and relatively easy to handle and toincorporate into a gas processing device. The present invention alsoprovides an apparatus, using such a material, which is capable ofseparating oxygen from a gaseous mixture. Finally, the present inventionalso provides highly effective methods for separating oxygen from agaseous mixture.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodimentsare to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and notrestrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by theappended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changeswhich come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims areto be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States LettersPatent is:
 1. An apparatus for separating oxygen and water from agaseous mixture comprising:a solid electrolyte having a first side and asecond side, said solid electrolyte comprising a ceramic oxide, a firstdopant incorporated within said ceramic oxide, a second dopantincorporated within said ceramic oxide, wherein the ratio of the molepercentages of said first dopant to said second dopant is in the rangeof from about 6.5:10 to about 9.5:10; a first metallic coating appliedto said first side of said electrolyte, a second metallic coatingapplied to said second side of said electrolyte; means for creating anelectrical potential between said first side and said second side; meansfor placing said gaseous mixture in contact with the metal coated firstside of the electrolyte such that oxygen contained within said gaseousmixture passes through said electrolyte, but such that the remainder ofsaid gaseous mixture remains on the metal coated first side of theelectrolyte.
 2. An apparatus for separating oxygen and water from agaseous mixture as defined in claim 1 wherein said ceramic oxidecomprises zirconia.
 3. An apparatus for separating oxygen and water froma gaseous mixture as defined in claim 1 wherein said ceramic oxide isselected from the group consisting of ceria, bismuth trioxide, thoria,and halfnia.
 4. An apparatus for separating oxygen and water from agaseous mixture as defined in claim 1 wherein said first dopantcomprises magnesia.
 5. An apparatus for separating oxygen and water froma gaseous mixture as defined in claim 1 wherein said first dopantcomprises yttria.
 6. An apparatus for separating oxygen and water from agaseous mixture as defined in claim 1 further comprising an enclosuredisposed about said electrolyte.
 7. An apparatus for separating oxygenand water from a gaseous mixture as defined in claim 6 furthercomprising means for heating the interior of said enclosure.
 8. Anapparatus for separating oxygen and water from a gaseous mixture asdefined in claim 7 wherein said means for heating heats the interior ofsaid enclosure to a temperature in the range of from about 650° C. toabout 900° C.
 9. An apparatus for separating oxygen and water from agaseous mixture as defined in claim 6 further comprising a secondenclosure disposed about said first enclosure.
 10. An apparatus forseparating oxygen and water from a gaseous mixture as defined in claim 1wherein said electrolyte is generally a hollow cylinder in shape havinga proximal end and a distal end, said first side comprising the interiorsurface of said hollow cylinder and said second side comprising theexterior surface of said hollow cylinder.
 11. An apparatus forseparating oxygen and water from a gaseous mixture as defined in claim10 further comprising bellows attached to the proximal end of saidelectrolyte, said bellows placing the interior of said electrolyte incommunication with a source of mixed gas.
 12. An apparatus forseparating oxygen and water from a gaseous mixture as defined in claim11 further comprising second bellows attached to the distal end of saidelectrolyte.
 13. An apparatus for separating oxygen and water from agaseous mixture as defined in claim 10 further comprising two bulkheadfittings configured such that they support said electrolyte.
 14. Anapparatus for separating oxygen and water from a gaseous mixture asdefined in claim 1 wherein said a first metallic coating applied to saidfirst side of said electrolyte is selected from the group consisting ofsilver, platinum, and palladium.
 15. An apparatus for separating oxygenand water from a gaseous mixture as defined in claim 1 wherein saidsecond metallic coating applied to said second side of said electrolyteis selected from the group consisting of silver, platinum, andpalladium.
 16. An apparatus for separating oxygen and water from agaseous mixture as defined in claim 1 further comprising a coating oflanthanum-strontium-manganate disposed over said second metalliccoating.
 17. An apparatus for separating oxygen and water from a gaseousmixture as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for creating anelectrical potential between said first side and said second sidecomprises a DC power source.
 18. A method for removing oxygen from amixture of gases containing oxygen and inert gases, said methodcomprising the steps of:obtaining a solid electrolyte having a firstside and a second side, said solid electrolyte comprising a ceramicoxide, a first dopant incorporated within said ceramic oxide, a seconddopant incorporated within said ceramic oxide, wherein the ratio of themole percentages of said first dopant to said second dopant is in therange of from about 6.5:10 to about 9.5:10; creating an electricalpotential between said first side and said second side; and placing saidmixture of gases in contact with said first side such that oxygen istransported through said electrolyte but said inert gases remain on saidfirst side of said electrolyte.
 19. A method for removing oxygen from amixture of gases containing oxygen and inert gases as defined in claim18 further comprising the step of heating said mixture of gases and saidelectrolyte to from about 650° C. to about 900° C.
 20. A method forremoving oxygen from a mixture of gases containing oxygen and inertgases as defined in claim 18 further comprising the step of heating saidmixture of gases and said electrolyte to from about 780° C. to about820° C.
 21. A method for removing oxygen from a mixture of gasescontaining oxygen and inert gases as defined in claim 18 furthercomprising the step of providing an enclosure about said electrolyte.22. A method for removing oxygen from a mixture of gases containingoxygen and inert gases as defined in claim 18 wherein the step ofcreating an electrical potential between said first side and said secondside comprises connecting said electrolyte to a DC power source.
 23. Amethod for removing oxygen from a mixture of gases containing oxygen andinert gases as defined in claim 22 wherein the step of creating anelectrical potential between said first side and said second sidefurther comprises coating said first and second sides with a metal. 24.A method for removing oxygen from a mixture of gases containing oxygenand inert gases as defined in claim 23 wherein said metal is selectedfrom the group consisting of silver, platinum, and palladium.
 25. Amethod for removing water from a mixture of gases containing water andinert gases, said method comprising the steps of:obtaining a solidelectrolyte having a first side and a second side, said solidelectrolyte comprising a ceramic oxide, a first dopant incorporatedwithin said ceramic oxide, a second dopant incorporated within saidceramic oxide, wherein the ratio of the mole percentages of said firstdopant to said second dopant is in the range of from about 6.5:10 toabout 9.5:10; creating an electrical potential between said first sideand said second side; and placing said mixture of gases and water incontact with said first side such that the water is disassociated intohydrogen and oxygen, and such that the resulting oxygen is transportedthrough said electrolyte but said inert gases and said hydrogen remainon said first side of said electrolyte.